BUREAU of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the agency is gearing up for more modernization projects for 2024.
Tansingco shared that they are expecting the number of tourists to surge following the aggressive campaigns of the Department of Tourism. He said that the agency is set to implement more projects to make international travel smooth and seamless.
The BI Chief said that they are set to replace 25% of their manual operations to electronic gates in 2024. He added that this is a medium-term plan, and they expect that half of their operations will be electronic by 2026.
He also shared that they are set to expand their e-services to include other immigration services. He takes pride that tourists can now extend their visas online, to attract more travelers to enjoy the different tourist destinations in the country.
Tansingco also announced that they are finalizing the requirements for a more seamless immigration processing for cruise tourists, which will attract more cruise ships to choose the Philippines as their destination.
Tansingco said that he believes that the BI modernization law will finally be passed this year as the Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, the Senate President himself, expressed his support to the updated law.
During President Ferdinand ‘Bong-Bong’ Marcos’ second State of the Nation address, he likewise reiterated the passing of the new law to boost nation-building.
“We thank the President and lawmakers for their support in this very urgent measure,” said Tansingco.
The proposed modernization measures will authorize the BI to utilize its income to acquire advanced tools and technologies. This will enable the BI to operate more efficiently and effectively in fulfilling its vital role in national security.
The bill, which is being deliberated upon in Senate, is expected to update the 84-year-old Philippine immigration act of 1940.
